A blueprint for child well-being.
We’re a non-profit focused on improving the policies and systems that affect the well-being of children in our state. We were founded in 2019 to serve as a convener, facilitator, advocate, and catalyst for positive change.
Our MissionSee what systems change looks like.
From data briefs to Early Childhood Councils, our work spans the state. Watch to learn how we're driving change for Mississippi's children.
Shape systems.
Build more effective, more intentional systems by advocating for better policies.
Foster collaboration.
Bring stakeholders together to implement for a blueprint for child well-being in Mississippi.
Do big things.
Take on multi-year strategic projects that have the potential for major impact.
Deliver data.
Monitor and report the critical indicators of our state’s child well-being for advocates.
Leadership from the right people, with the right experience.
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Dr. Ashley Parker Sheils
Chief Executive Officer
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Maribeth Kitchings
Chief Operating Officer
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Bailey Shelton Ray
Director of Communications
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Jessica McArthur Senter
Director of Outreach & Engagement
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Cheryl Dexter
Director of Community Education
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![A woman with long braided hair wearing glasses, bright pink lipstick, a white collared shirt, and a maroon top, smiling in front of an abstract blue and yellow background.]()
Jae Young
Office Manager
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Dave Dennis
Board Chair
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Mary Currier, MD, MPH
Board Member
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Dr. Carla Evers
Board Member
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Judge John Hudson, JD
Baord Member
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Ralph Jackson
Board Member
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Patti Marshall, JD
Board Member
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![Close-up portrait of a smiling blonde woman with short hair and blue eyes, wearing a dark top, against a teal background.]()
Cynthia Minton-Walker
Board Member
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![A smiling elderly man with glasses, white hair, and a beard sitting on a white wooden chair, wearing a striped polo shirt.]()
Sammy Moon
Board Member
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Dr. Karen Norwood
Board Member
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Justice Randy Pierce, JD
Board Member
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Rediet Bayou
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Summer 2024 Fellow
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Sarah Rendon
Communications Intern - MSU - 2022
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![A woman with blonde hair, wearing glasses with round frames, and pearl earrings. She is smiling slightly and facing the camera.]()
Brooke Brody
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - 2022 Fellow
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![Woman with long black hair and a bright smile, wearing a black sleeveless top, against a dark gray background.]()
Rosie Batista
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - 2022 Fellow
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![Close-up of a young person with black hair, glasses, and a blue shirt smiling against a plain wall.]()
Amit Kumar
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - 2022 Fellow
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![A woman with dark, wavy hair wearing glasses, pearl earrings, and a pearl necklace, smiling in front of a stone wall.]()
Dr. Nichole Brathwaite-Dingle
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - 2022 Fellow
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![A woman with long black hair, smiling and wearing a black top with sheer sleeves, in front of a neutral background.]()
Dr. Sanjana Kattera
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - 2022 Fellow
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![A young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a green graduation gown and holding a diploma, smiling outdoors.]()
Courtney Marlow
University of Alabama at Birmingham - 2021 Fellow
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![A woman with short, curly black hair smiling outdoors in front of green plants, wearing a black patterned top.]()
Muksha L. Jingree
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - 2021 Fellow
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![A smiling woman with straight, shoulder-length hair, wearing a black blazer, a white checkered top, and a pearl necklace, standing against a light background.]()
Kyla L. Lewis
University of Alabama at Birmingham - 2021 Fellow
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![A woman with dark dreadlocks wearing a denim jacket and yellow earrings, smiling at the camera.]()
Fortunate Chifamba
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - 2020 Fellow
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![Close-up of a woman with black hair and light skin, smiling softly. She is wearing a striped top and is against a plain background.]()
Penny Sun
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - 2020 Fellow
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![A young man with curly hair and a beard, wearing a blue suit and light-colored dress shirt, standing outdoors with a blurred green background.]()
David Bunn
Mississippi Delta Fellow 2020
Our HistoryA state full of potential and five years of work.
This timeline captures the major milestones, partnerships, and impact we’ve achieved from 2019 through 2024—and includes a glimpse into the early accomplishments of 2025 and what’s ahead.
Highlights from our statewide summits
Growth of Early Childhood Councils and Kids Count
Stories from our partners, students, and community
DonateMake a donation now and help us turn the curve for children in Mississippi.
